SoCal fires using 13% of Cal Fire's engines

Fire crews across the state have been sent to fight fires in Southern California, but despite the use of resources there, Cal Fire officials say they are well prepared to fight fires that could pop up in Northern California.

Flames ripped through Southern California during the past week, destroying thousands of acres.

"We have three major fires burning in the state," said Cal Fire's Janet Upton. "The largest is down in Riverside County."

The Sacramento region has also seen its share of small fires recently.

A fire burned in Roseville at the north end of Wood Creek Golf Course on Tuesday.

On Friday, Live Copter 3 flew over a fire in Sacramento County near Jackson Highway, and on the same day, there was a close call for residents is an El Dorado Hills neighborhood where a fire burned close to some homes.

"Last week, there were 400 fires around the state," Upton said.

That's up from the 200 to 300 small fires typically seen over a one-week span in California during this time of year, Upton said.

While resources are being used in the southern part of the state, Cal Fire officials said they are prepared for fires in Northern California.

"As far as resources go, we're in decent shape," Upton said. "That's because of the master mutual aid and because there are not five mountain fires. Those are the time periods when competition for resources can be fierce."

About 13 percent of its engines are being used to fight fires in Southern California, Cal Fire officials said.

Cal Fire officials warns that everyone needs to be aware of the dry conditions.

"Ninety-four percent of the fires we see are caused by people," Upton said. "There the things that are obvious -- barbecues, open flames -- but there are things that you wouldn't think of. For example, taking your boat to the lake and the chain dragging causes a spark."